How to Identify and Treat Winter Grass

If you’re looking to treat winter grass before it takes over your lawn, timing is everything. This common cool-season weed, can quickly spread and cause long-term issues if not controlled early. The key is acting fast — or better yet, preventing it before it even emerges.

Keep reading to learn how to achieve a winter grass-free lawn!

What Is Winter Grass?

Winter Grass (Poa annua) is a low-growing, cool-season weed that thrives during the colder months. It forms soft, light green tufts and produces triangular-shaped seed heads. Unlike some other weeds, Winter Grass doesn’t have runners and grows in small clumps, making it easy to spot once it appears in your lawn.

treat winter grass

Photo sourced from Lawn Solutions.

When Does Winter Grass Appear?

As temperatures drop, you’ll notice it emerging throughout your lawn and it will continue to spread during the cooler months. That’s why it’s so important to treat winter grass early — ideally before it gets the chance to go to seed.

How to Identify and Treat Winter Grass

Winter Grass is easily identified by its distinctive bright green colour and clumping growth habit. Because it has shallow roots and no runners, you can pull it out by hand if you catch it early. However, for more efficient and thorough control, a targeted herbicide is your best bet. To treat winter grass effectively, consider using a selective herbicide like Winter Grass Killer. It works by attacking the roots and is most effective when used early in the weed’s growth cycle. ProForce Duke 100 WG Herbicide is an excellent option for kikuyu lawns, while Monument Herbicide is well-suited for couch lawns.

kill winter grass

How to Prevent Winter Grass

The most effective way to stop Winter Grass from invading your lawn every year is to prevent it before it starts. A pre-emergent herbicide like Oxafert creates a barrier in the soil that stops the weed from germinating in the first place. Apply it before Winter Grass begins to sprout — ideally in late summer or early autumn.

Once winter grass goes to seed, it will return to your lawn the following year, continuing the cycle. To break this cycle, apply a pre-emergent herbicide such as Oxafert, combined with a selective post-emergent like Winter Grass Killer. When used at the right time of year, this approach can help eliminate winter grass from your lawn effectively.

prevent winter grass

Best Products to Treat Winter Grass

Here are our top recommendations to help you treat winter grass and keep your lawn looking its best:

• Oxafert Pre-Emergent Herbicide – 3kg treats up to 100m²
• Winter Grass Killer – Targets roots without harming lawn. Not suitable for use on kikuyu or fescue lawns.
• Monument Liquid Herbicide Post-Emergent – The broadest spectrum selective post-emergence herbicide for turf. Not suitable for kikuyu or buffalo lawns.

For personalised advice or help choosing the right products, visit us in-store or shop online — the Akers of Lawn team is always happy to help!